5 Architectural Styles You’ll Find in Arlington Luxury Real Estate

Arlington’s charm entices prospective residents and tourists alike. Each of Arlington’s unique neighborhoods possesses a distinctly stylized vibe for homebuyers.

Ballston, for example, has a high population of millennials and a lot of condos. Clarendon was once a settlement for Vietnamese refugees, and you can still feel its cultural roots in the neighborhood today. Each neighborhood’s unique characteristics influence the type of architecture you can expect to see. Understanding the architectural style that accommodates your lifestyle and taste will help you narrow down your choices of the available Arlington homes for sale.

The following are five architectural styles you can expect to see when shopping for Arlington real estate.

Colonial and Georgian homes share many of the same features. The main difference between the two is that Colonial homes may have a grand porch supported by columns. Both are symmetrical and square, with a low-pitched roof and shuttered or multi-pane windows. The front entry has the same number of windows on each side, and the exterior is usually made from brick, though sometimes disguised as stucco. The interior features high ceilings and decorative crown moldings. Colonial homes are a prominent part of Arlington real estate.

The Federal-style home, sometimes called Adam’s Style, followed the Colonial and featured many similar elements. These homes have a central hall, like Colonial homes, and feature shuttered windows symmetrically placed around the door. It’s the more minor details that differentiate Federal homes from Colonials. They usually have very low-pitched roofs and a fanlight over the entry door. The exterior is red brick, but the curved architectural details in the interior make up for the boxy brick exterior. The use of curving or polygonal window projections makes this home-style stand out from other Arlington homes for sale.

Cape Cod homes have steep rooflines and dominant fireplaces in the heart of the home. The Cape Cod architectural style was the first to feature what is now referred to as an “open concept layout,” with the first-floor layout typically being open and airy and featuring large living rooms. Additionally, stairs leading to the second floor minimize the amount of space, so they tend to be narrower. Since they originated in New England and were built to withstand the stormy weather, there isn’t much ornamentation on the exterior of Cape Cod-style homes. They are prevalent throughout Arlington neighborhoods.

The Craftsman home is called the Arts and Crafts style, responding to the boxy, machine-produced homes created during the Industrial Revolution. They tend to feature local materials and handmade work. Their trusses are often exposed, and you may find wood detailing throughout the home. They make use of space by including built-in cabinets. They embrace natural materials, making them a durable and popular option among Arlington homes for sale. Their interior showcases craftsmanship with detailed ceilings, window frames, and stair columns. Throughout Arlington, you’ll find that Craftsman homes feature A-frame roof lines, providing a bit of architectural texture to the neighborhoods.

Contemporary homes use sustainable materials and design and typically feature natural stone, wood, and glass. They also incorporate modern technology and smart home features. Likewise, they’re immediately recognizable by their geometric shapes and irregular facade. They tend to take advantage of natural light and may have windows that cover most of the wall.

Contemporary architects like to use outdoor space and encourage an indoor-outdoor flow in their homes. Some are built in a U-shape around a central outdoor space. A contemporary color palette is typically narrow and neutral, though some will incorporate a bold color as a focal point in the home.

Brian Siebel’s team of realtors is happy to help you discover the best type of Virginian home to fit your needs. Brian’s team of experienced local agents will expertly guide you through your real estate investment journey, whether buying or selling. Contact Brian today to find your next dream home in one of the nation’s most historic communities!